Fan-Favorite ‘Game Of Thrones’ Character Brienne of Tarth Cast for Season 2

HBO’s Game of Thrones is starting production on its second season this month, and one of the biggest characters for Season 2 has been cast.

Gwendoline Christie, a startlingly tall British stage actress, will play Brienne of Tarth.

WARNING: MINOR GAME OF THRONES SPOILERS FOLLOW!

In George R. R. Martin’s A Clash Of Kings (the source material for Game of Thrones‘ second season) Brienne is the only child of Lord Tarth, and heir to a small but proud piece of land. Brienne is naturally tomboyish, a trait that her huge stature and man-like strength do little to diminish. She becomes a warrior at a young age.

Brienne is present when King Robert and Stannis’ youngest brother Renly declares his intent to rule, and becomes one of his personal guards after a tournament victory. Her outlook on life is grim due to cruelty aimed at her “freakish” strength, build and facial features, but she remains valiant and holds to the ideals of knighthood.

The character becomes one of the most important in the Song of Ice and Fire novels, eventually getting her own viewpoint and chapters. Fans of the books have speculated on the difficulties of finding a female actor larger and “stronger” than most men since the announcement of HBO’s series.

In 6’3″ Christie, the producers may have found their diamond in the rough. Her unusually tall frame fits the character perfectly. While Christie’s only significant movie part was an unnamed role in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, she’s been active on the British theater scene for years in productions like Gilgamesh, Great Expectations and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her native home and stage experience are features she shares with many existing Game of Thrones players.

Christie is the second actress to be cast for season two, after The Tudors‘ Natalie Dormer. There are still dozens of roles from the book yet to be filled, chief among them Stannis Baratheon (rumored: former Doctor Wholead Christopher Eccleston), Balon Greyjoy, Davos Seaworth and Mellisandre.